title: Transrectal Doppler sonography of uterine blood flow during the first two weeks after parturition in Simmenthal heifers.
abstract: Transrectal Doppler sonography was used to evaluate uterine blood flow during the first two weeks after parturition in six primiparous Simmental cows. The uterine blood flow was evaluated on the day of parturition (Day 0), once daily from Days 1 to 8 and then every other day until Day 14. Blood flow was quantified by determining the diameter (D), the time-averaged maximum velocity (TAMV), the pulsatility index (PI) and the blood flow volume (BFV) of the uterine arteries ipsilateral and contralateral to the formerly pregnant uterine horn. During the first four days after calving D, TAMV and BFV declined (ipsilateral: TAMV 70%, BFV 87%, contralateral: D 47%, BFV 84%; p < 0.05), while PI increased (ipsilateral 158%, contralateral 100%; p < 0.05) distinctly. Between Days 4 and 14 only the ipsilateral D (12%) and the BFV of both arteries (ipsilateral 5%, contralateral 8%) decreased (p < 0.05). Blood flow variables were very strongly correlated with each other (r > ±0.75, p < 0.05), with negative correlations with PI and positive correlations with all other investigated factors. Overall, this study revealed characteristic changes in uterine perfusion during the first two weeks after parturition in cows that were pronounced during the first four days postpartum.
authors.affiliation: Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, 30173 Hannover, Germany.maike.heppelmann@tiho-hannover.de.
authors.forename: Maike
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Heppelmann
authors.forename: Lars
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Krüger
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Leidl
authors.forename: Heinrich
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bollwein
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000662:veterinary; D002417:Cattle; D005260:Female; D036801:Parturition; D049590:Postpartum Period; D063177:Pulse Wave Analysis / Q000662:veterinary; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color / Q000379:methods* / Q000662:veterinary; D055988:Uterine Artery / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
keywords: involution; puerperal; uterus